My 68 chevelle steers to easy, How can I firm it up?
Jugg

What you want is a steering box with a larger diameter T-bar. This is what controls the effort required to turn the wheel.

Now, the question is whether or not you want a quicker ratio than stock or just a box which requires more effort, in an attempt to gain more road feel.

The quickest ratio box produced by Saginaw Gear that'll work in Chevelle/El Camino would be a 12.7:1 box. These were found in certain vehicles in the 1980's and 1990's. There are a few small obstacles to overcome when installing one in an older Chevelle, but Jim Shea and others here have basically figured out all the problems. I installed a 12.7:1 quick ratio box out of a 1992 Chevrolet Caprice with the police package (I too wanted the tighter steering with more effort), back in 2001, it was one of the best upgrades I've ever done.

Here is a link to several pages which Jim Shea (JimL82) has been gracious enough to put together for us Chevelle enuthusiasts - http://www.corvettefaq.com/a-Car.asp

The ratio is not a problem.I just want to feel the road. Right know you can steer this thing with a piece of pine straw it's that easy.
Jugg

I ended up buying a "New" quick ratio from AGR (through summit)... It is very stiff ( because of the previously mentioned T-bar)... great road feel...

I can no longer turn with one finger when driving slow...

I don't know how or where you could buy just a T-bar...

Yeah, since you are looking for the ratio, you'll just need to find a box out of new vehicle with sufficiently similiar amount of output shaft travel. A box out of a newer caprice would be just fine for you.

Since you don't necessarily want the quick ratio, then look to the standard ma and pa Caprice/Buick Roadmaster and similar cars (upto 1996).

Starting with the 1980 model year, GM switched over the metric O-ring style power steering hose fittings. This is not a big deal, one call to Lee Manufacturing ((818)768-0371 (talk to Tom Lee or his wife, they are very knowledgeable and can help with other steering questions as well) will land you the adapters for about $14.00 shipped to your door (You won't even see them once installed, very very trick). Now, also starting about this time (1977 or so), GM switched to a 3/4" (O.D.) input shaft. Your 1968 Chevelle has a 13/16" (O.D.) input shaft. This isn't a big deal either, if you aren't the junkyard type or whatever the case, Tom Lee can set you up with a flexible coupling (rag joint) that will fit, I think the cost is about $45, but it may be a little higher. If you prefer the junkyard route like myself, you can get a rag joint from a 1977-1982 Chevy or GMC 2wd or 4wd pick-up trucks, 1983-1986 2wd only pick up trucks. 1977-1978 Camaros and Firebirds work as well as 1977-1979 Nova's. Any of these will allow you to connect your new late model steering gear to your column.

Okay, now moving on to the power steering pump. Most of these new boxes require approx 1400 PSI or so of pressure at full lock (when the wheel is turned all the way one direction). Now a stock 1970 (small block only cars) and 1971 or 1972 Chevrolet all should have a power steering pump that is capable of putting out about 1350psi-1450psi. This is plenty. If the pump doesn't put out enough pressure you will feel the assist "skip" when you are turning the wheel and nearing full lock. Most rebuilt power steering pumps are built to provide enough PSI to handle these boxes.

Finally, you'll use your current pitman arm on the new steering box.

Good Luck

Hello,

I haven't heard of a "T-bar" before. What is that?

Kevin C

T-bar = Torsion bar; it's the piece inside the box, that, by its diameter controls the effort required to steer the vehicle.

elcamino72
So all I need is a box of a 80-96 caprice the 3/4 rag and my pitman and the o ring adapter and every thing will bolt right up?
Jugg

Yep, that's it. I recommend the newer Caprice's as I know they have the firmer feeling steering and the correct output shaft travel.

Also, keep in mind the pump, chances are, if your's is original, it'll only put out about 800-900psi max. This will most likely not cut it with a newer box. Most of the rebuilt pumps that I'm aware of come rated at the higher 1350-1450psi, but double check if you have to go that route and buy one.

Thanks elcamino72
I belive my pump will be ok sense I have a latemodel pump.
Jugg

another option is a 93-98 Jeep Grand Cherokee steering box. they are the quck ratio, and a direct bolt in, all you would need would be to get metric to standard fittings, or as i am gunna do, try to adapt the stock lines off the Jeep onto the stock velle pump.

it is a direct bolt in like said, and works just as good as a Caprice box.

good luck

aaron

The Jeep Grand Cherokee box will work just fine (same issues with coupler and hoses as Caprice box) however it is 12.7:1 which is considered fast ratio (quickest ratio Saginaw put in these style boxes "800 series") If you don't want to quicken the ratio (and some people do not), then shy away from the Jeep Grand Cherokee box.

Aaron, as for adapting the Jeep lines to the Chevelle pump ... how are you planning on shorting them ... the Jeep uses, at least on the 318cu and the 360cu motors, very long hoses to reach the power steering pump which is located on the upper left the motor. These hoses will look mighty silly under the hood of a Chevelle and will probably cost you more than the couple of bucks that Tom Lee charges for the adaptors which allow you to use the original style hoses. Just food for thought and I do not know the pump configuration on a 4.0l 6cyl ... the only Jeeps I've messed with are the V8s.